TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A CONSULTANT TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE NEEDS ASSESSMENT TO UNDERSTAND GREEN FINANCIAL CHALLENGES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE VULNERABLE GROUPS.

1. Background

The purpose of the Climate Just Communities (CJC) Programme is to implement effective climate justice interventions focusing on community voice and needs, prioritising marginalised communities, women, and people with disabilities. Rwanda Climate Change and Dveleopment Network (RCCDN) is dedicated to facilitate access to finance assistance to the most vulnerable communities. 

In September 2023, the CJC Consortium conducted the community-based need assessment in three selected Districts of Gisagara, Karongi, and Ngororero and amongst a number of challenges faced by vulnerable groups in the programme communities, is the limited access to Finance by women, people with disabilities, and youth groups. According to the report, this challenge has limited these communities to have financial resilience in the face of climate change impacts. 

Therefore, conducting a needs assessment on the green financial challenges and requirements of vulnerable groups to access finance and drawing clear and actionable recommendations serves a crucial purposes of understanding the unique financial struggles faced by the groups and means of facilitating them to access finances.

2. Scope of Work

We are seeking a consultant to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to understand green financial challenges and requirements of the vulnerable groups. The scope of work includes the following:

• Development and validation of the assessment tools with RCCDN and its partners and stake holders.
• Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the green financial needs of the most vulnerable communities.
• Develop a report outlining the findings of the needs assessment, including actionable recommendations for strategies to help these communities’ access green financial resources.
• Present the findings to RCCDN and its partners/ stakeholders for Validation.

3. Key Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

1. An inception report outlining the proposed methodology, work plan, and timeline within [4 days] of contract commencement.
2. A comprehensive draft report outlining the findings of the needs assessment and recommendations for strategies to help the most vulnerable communities’ access financial resources (2 weeks after presenting and acceptance of the inception report)
3. A final comprehensive needs assessment report (electronic and hard copy) within [3 days] of receiving feedback on the draft report.

4. Timeline

The consultant will be expected to complete the needs assessment and deliver the report within 3 weeks of the contract being awarded.

www.rccdnetwork.org

E-mail: rccdnrwanda@rccdnetwork.org

Phone number: 0787444915

5. Qualifications

The consultant should possess the following qualifications:

1. A minimum of 5 years' experience in conducting needs assessments and facilitating access to financial resources for vulnerable communities.
2. A proven track record of developing and implementing successful financial assistance programs.
3. Strong communication and facilitation skills.
4. Knowledge of financial literacy, budgeting, and financial management.

6. Evaluation Criteria

The consultant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Experience and qualifications
2. Understanding of the project scope and objectives
3. Proposed methodology and approach
4. Feasibility of proposed strategies and activities
5. Budget and cost-effectiveness

7. Reporting and Supervision

The consultant will report to SALAMA GATA Sylvia, Programme Coordinator for guidance and coordination throughout the project.

8. Submission of Proposals

Interested consultants should submit a proposal outlining their qualifications, experience, methodology, and budget by 14^th December 2023. Proposals should be submitted to rccdnrwanda@rccdnetwork.org. The selected candidate will be notified for contract signing by 11^th December 2023. 

For further inquiries, please contact: Salama, Gata Sylvia on Tel: 0788303172

Done at Kigali, 01^st December 2023

Faustin Vuningoma

Coordinator, RCCDN